ART from the Heart at Jack Abrams School
In this day and age where the younger generation is all too frequently labeled as being selfish, a group of Jack Abrams School students showed why those sweeping generalizations are so very wrong.
The youngsters participated in an insightful learning experience and displayed generous philanthropy. They gave up their recess over an extended period, creating works of art that were later auctioned off to raise funds for Hope Through Health, an international non-profit organization that provides anti-retroviral therapy (ART) drugs and care for sick children and adults living in Togo, West Africa.
HTH Executive Director Jennifer Schechter, a 2000 graduate of Huntington High School, came to Jack Abrams School last spring to introduce the “Art for ART” program to students. It was well-received that afternoon and was fully embraced this year by a group of boys and girls that worked hard to raise $1,650.
Collaborating closely with art teacher Karen Morea, the students lovingly created a variety of works ranging from paintings to sculptures. Teacher aide Peggy DeLaRosa and the knitting club even joined the campaign, making hats for newborn children in Togo.
The art auction rode piggyback on the school’s science fair, guaranteeing a large turnout of parents. Music teacher Christina Bhasin organized nine student volunteers to form a strings group that played a set of classical selections. There was even a bake sale.
“So often the school has an event, always for a good cause, but this event really supported good will and created a tremendous feeling and respect for life and art,” said Maureen Giordano, mother of a Jack Abrams School student and a member of the HTH executive board. The youngsters took obvious pride in their work and really bought into the program. They could be overheard telling each other how good their volunteer efforts made them feel.
In all, 44 different pieces of art were sold, fetching sums ranging for $10 to $100. Teachers, aides and parents all pitched in and volunteered to make the night a success.
“I am so proud of my school,” said Ms. Giordano, who helped organize the event. “We have also seemed to generate a lot of interest in having other schools participate.”
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